Hope Not Handcuffs is a program that started in February of 2017. It provides resources for those who are struggling with drug addiction. They can walk into any participating police department and say they need
help. That's when "angel" volunteers get involved.
"That police officer on duty will call our angel coordinator, they'll dispatch an angel to that police department, they'll do some intake paperwork and they'll find a bed into treatment," says co-founder Katie Donovan.
Her daughter began to struggle with drug addiction at age 17. Donovan says she didn't know where to turn. That's how she became involved with the program. She says it also still helps her deal with the pain she feels knowing what her daughter has been through and continues to go through with addiction.
"To know that we can provide resources turn pain into passion and help others ..
I can't even describe the feeling," she says.
Hope Not Handcuffs is in 41 police departments in Michigan. About 40 more departments are launching it in the next 2 months.
Donovan says so far, the program has helped almost 1200 people.
Hope Not Handcuffs is looking for more volunteers. Donovan says anyone can be an "angel" volunteer.
If you want to get involved, the next "angel" volunteer training is Tuesday, May 1st at 6:30 pm at the Farmington HIlls City Council Chambers. It's located at 31555 W. 11 Mile Rd.
To learn more about the program, go to https://www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org/hopenothandcuffs
To learn more about Katie's story, go to http://www.amothersaddictionjourney.com/
